Heartbreaking: Nine yr-old Jacob Thompson who touched the hearts of thousands by requesting everyone send him a Christmas card early sadly passes away in hospital

There was some sad news announced over the past 24 hours after the family of a nine year old boy whose dying wish was to recieve as many Christmas cards as possibly could confirmed that he sadly passed away in hospital this past weekend.

The little boy who caught the worlds attention and hearts with his touching request, Jacob Thompson, sadly lost his battle with cancer on Sunday his family have revealed.

Little Jacob who was tragically diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, which is a severe form brain cancer back in 2014, touched the hearts of many around the world after he posted a Facebook message kindly asking them to send him Christmas cards early as he wanted to experience one last Christmas moment with his family and friends.

The brave nine year old who received cards from thousands of people including celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger made the heartfelt request after doctors informed him and his parents that he had only months to live and that he might not survive to see Christmas this year.

Little Jacob who was given one last Christmas earlier this month by his parents sadly passed away on Sunday evening in Maine Medical Centre his family confirmed in post on his dedicated Facebook page.

In the heartfelt post the message reads as follows: “Each and every person who sent Jacob a Christmas card, a gift, a Facebook message or video, or a prayer made a difference in the final days of his life.”

“You brought Jacob joy, and you brought us all optimism for the future. Thank you for taking the time, and taking an interest in our sweet boy’s journey.”

They added they hoped Jacob’s story would highlight the seriousness of his illness and they hoped more research in the fight against the illness is carried out in order to save others in the future.